SUV

The biggest news under the hood is the smallest engine in the Explorer lineup: The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that replaces the 2.0-liter turbo four as the middle of three engine choices in the Explorer. The 2.3-liter turbo four packs an estimated 270 horses and 300 lb-ft of torque in this application­, 20 fewer horses but 45 more lb-ft than the naturally aspirated base 3.5-liter V-6. It’s up 30 horses and 30 lb-ft over the outgoing 2.0-liter turbo.

The added oomph means Ford can now offer a Class II towing package on four-cylinder Explorers, making them capable of lugging up to 3000 pounds, as well as finally offer 4WD as an option with the turbo four. Ford says the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost returns the same 20 mpg city and 28 highway as the smaller four-cylinder. Base, XLT, and Limited models can be fitted with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost for a $995 upcharge, with the twin-turbo EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 and its 365 horses and 350 lb-ft of torque being standard on Explorer Sport and Platinum models.
2016 Ford Explorer Photos and Info News Car and Driver